Vice President Faisal Naseem on Sunday joined football fans at the Synthetic Track in Hulhumalé to watch the opening ceremony and first game of the FIFA World Cup 2022, held in Qatar. The host country plays Ecuador in the opening match at the Al Bayt Stadium.

In addition to various locations in Malé City, viewing screens have been set up throughout the country to live stream tournament matches. The 22nd FIFA World Cup lasts from November 20 to December 18, 2022.

Earlier on Sunday, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih extended greetings and well wishes to the Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Thamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, for a successful FIFA World Cup 2022 hosted in Qatar this year.

In his message, the President expressed his delight that a Muslim country was hosting the World Cup and that he found it encouraging to see the Qatari administration handle the various challenges in its path in the run-up to the competition with professionalism and foresight.